The Wombats Return To The Stage With A New Album And Tour
The iconic Liverpool indie band The Wombats are back on the road, kicking off their UK Arena Tour with a new album, "Oh! The Ocean," and a refreshed approach to touring that emphasizes health and wellness.
Having first formed in 2003 while studying at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, The Wombats have consistently produced hit after hit, including fan favorites "Leaving For New York" and "Let's Dance To Joy Division." With over one million albums sold worldwide, they have carved a niche for themselves as one of the defining bands of the indie genre.
Fans heading to their concert at the O2 Arena in London on March 19, 2025, will be treated to an exciting setlist that spans their two-decade career. The show promises an array of tracks from their six studio albums, including songs from their latest release "Oh! The Ocean," which they launched in February 2025. This album marks their sixth in total, showcasing the band's evolving sound and creativity over the years.
The tour kicked off in Nottingham on March 18, 2025, marking the beginning of what is touted to be their most ambitious tour to date. The band also has performances lined up across various UK cities, including Cardiff, Manchester, Hull, Glasgow, and Leeds, culminating in a grand finale back in Liverpool on June 19, 2025.
Lead singer Matthew 'Murph' Murphy, alongside bandmates Dan Haggis and Tord Øverland Knudsen, discussed the exciting changes this tour brings. In a humorous reflection on their past, they admitted that their approach to touring has matured significantly. Dan Haggis mentioned that their current rider includes requests for organic kombucha, pointing out their shift from the wild party lifestyle associated with their earlier years. "We go to the gym, do yoga, have massages," he explained, focusing on health rather than late-night revelries.
Despite their more genteel touring lifestyle, the band fondly reminisces about their earlier escapades. Tord shared a story about an encounter with Ice Cube, who was thrown out of their hotel for being too noisy. Murph added humorously, "Pete Doherty told you to go to bed. He said, 'I think you've had enough mate.'" This contrasts sharply with their new focus on rest and well-being.
Not only are The Wombats celebrating their tour but they're also addressing current events. Dan expressed his disapproval of a recent incident involving a social media influencer who took a baby wombat from its mother in Australia, calling it "disgusting" and urging people to respect wildlife. "Marsupials aren't known for being overly loving. They're in the wild, you're upsetting their natural environment... it's just very disrespectful," he commented, stressing the importance of treating animals and their habitats with consideration.
As they prepare for their concert at The O2, where doors open at 6.30 PM and the show is expected to kick off around 8 PM with support from Everything Everything and Red Rum Club, fans can still grab tickets ranging from £33 to £52. The buzz around the concert is palpable, with fans eager to hear tracks like "Greek Tragedy" and "Moving to New York" live in such a celebrated venue.
The Wombats' career is marked by significant milestones. Their debut album, "A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation," reached number 11 in the album charts shortly after they formed. They continued to grow in popularity, with their fifth album "Fix Yourself, Not The World" clinching the top spot in the UK Albums Chart in 2022. Their latest release adds to their legacy and showcases how they have managed to remain relevant and adored in the music scene for over two decades.
As they embark on this expansive tour, the group looks forward to captivating audiences with their infectious energy and relatable lyrics. "We supported The Rolling Stones in New Jersey a few years back, and it was so inspiring to see their energy," Dan recalled. The Wombats continue to draw inspiration from legendary acts while paving their path in the industry.
The anticipation surrounding The Wombats' concert at The O2 is off the charts as fans prepare to witness a performance from one of the UK's most beloved bands. With tickets still available, it’s the perfect time to relive some of the best indie tracks of the last two decades.
Fans eagerly await this unforgettable night, ready to sway to the commanding rhythms of The Wombats. Whether you're there for a favorite old hit or the latest tunes from "Oh! The Ocean," this concert promises to be a memorable celebration of indie music.
